Defined by relaxed design
GULF HARBOUR 177 GULF HARBOUR RD
Mention a premium lodge in New Zealand (or Fiji) that tops most people’s dream list, and you’ll find the hand of Virginia Fisher. For more than 30 years the designer — she is way more than decorator — has defined the relaxed luxury New Zealand style at Huka Lodge, Dolphin Island, Millbrook, Wharekauhau, Kauri Cliffs, Matakauri and Eichardt’s. She is known for her colours, her referencing of the location that adds layers of sophistication to the decor and her insistence on consistent design both inside and out.
So it is no surprise that in 1997 when Sir David Levene and his late wife Billie were commissioning their new property on the edge of the world-class Gulf Harbour Country Club, they would call on a world-class design team of architect Ron Seto and Virginia Fisher.
Then, his Levene stores were at their height, so when Sir David’s good friend Ralph Grierson, who was heavily involved in building the country club, picked out a good site, the couple went along with the suggestion to commission their own house and two apartments. The result is timeless.
“We had only ever had one house, our family house on the beach and my wife had always wanted a new house, so we built this,” says Sir David. “Under the country club ownership of [first owner] Mr Goh the rules meant that the house and apartments were extremely highly specified. The building is plastered over concrete block. We wanted it all on one level, the lower ground level can be self contained.”
The house on a hill overlooks the seventh and eighth greens and fairways, with a view of the lake. In weekends guests would wander across the lawns — the house is bound by the wide golf buggy path as there are no fences — with two or three clubs to play a hole or two. The more energetic took the golf cart to the nearby country club for a full round (handily, there’s room in the three-car garage for its own space, as well as water toys). The house feels like part of the greens, but Sir David can recall only one broken window moment from a flying ball. The club facilities include a good cafe, pool, squash and tennis courts, spa and sauna, but the Levene’s ground-floor apartment included plumbing and space for a sauna also, although it was never put in.
The main living floor has Fisher’s signature use of colour, an elegant grey-blue wash on the tongue-andgroove board ceilings and fireplace walls in the living
room and master bedroom, accented by chunky beams in cream and smart grey carpet. The cream, stainless steel and timber kitchen, with its generous granite counters, demonstrates the longevity of good design, with detailed storage designed for the enthusiastic entertainer. Tucked in a paved courtyard beside the kitchen is a barbecue spot, wrapped by a third fireplace and tropical planting, sheltered by a retractable awning.
Right from the entry court, with its over-scale door, steel grilles and Mediterranean-styled clipped planting, it is easy to feel as if you are stepping into one of those special lodges. Virginia Fisher added richly painted panels to the hallway and stairs, repeating the pattern in the downstairs guest bathroom. Not surprisingly, it is the expansive living and dining room, with its balcony overlooking the fairways, that is Sir David’s favourite in the house.
“One of the things that I think is terrific is this high stud. It makes the whole space feel restful, it’s a restful place,” he says. But Sir David is not very mobile these days and it is time to sell.
The master suite has more lodge-style luxury touches — sets of tall double doors set the scene opening to the suite, repeated on the well-fitted out closet. The bathroom, which has corded tile mirror surrounds, has both a double shower and a gorgeous soaking tub, as well as double vanities. With a private balcony and fireplace, the master suite was a retreat for the owners when the house was full of guests. There’s another bedroom and guest bath upstairs, as well as the two downstairs.
Sir David admits the area has changed in nearly 20 years since they built, transforming from countryside and sleepy beach villages. Although there is a vibrant suburban community of schools, shops and cafes, the lovely Hibiscus Coast beaches, marina, regional parks and coastal tracks are still unspoiled. Making this a perfect spot for extended family vacations, retirement or a commuter home for a family of keen golfers.